NCJ Number
157141
Date Published
1995
Length
24 pages
Annotation
Based on experience in establishing demonstration programs in five States, this booklet describes the nature and operation of a day fine system, the benefits it can be expected to produce, and the steps involved in planning it.
Abstract
Developed in Sweden in the 1920's and quickly adopted in Scandinavian countries, day fines represent a flexible system that matches the fine to the severity of the crime and, independently, to an offenders ability to pay as measured by the individual's daily disposable income. Monetary penalties are the most cost effective way to exact retribution and deter further criminal activity when the offender does not pose a danger to the community and when probation services are not required for supervision or rehabilitation. Day fines are established in a two-step process. First, the judge determines how many units to imposed based on the offense severity. Next, the value of each unit is determined according to the offender's net daily income. Careful planning, sound design, and thorough education and training are crucial ingredients for successfully introducing day fines. Evaluation should be built into the project design during the planning stages. Tables, case examples, descriptions of demonstration projects supported by the Vera Institute of Justice, and 13 references